Best navigation-capable mobile phones
Most new mobile phones are GPS-enabled but not every GPS phone is created equal. We rate the best navigation-capable mobile phones.
Although mobile phones aren't always as reliable as dedicated in-car sat navs for navigation, a GPS-enabled mobile phone has its own advantages — namely they fit in your pocket and you generally carry them with you wherever you go.
Most new smartphones feature built-in GPS capabilities, but a large screen, good mapping software (often optional) and a loud speaker are a few things to look out for if you plan to use your mobile phone as a navigation device in the car.
We've rounded up some of the best navigation-capable mobile phones on the market. Some of these include dedicated GPS software on board for no extra cost, such as Nokia's Maps application that comes standard on all Nokia smartphones or Garmin-Asus' embedded navigation solution. Others, like the Apple iPhone and the range of Google Android smartphones, offer third-party navigation applications that can be purchased separately.
1 / 7
The Optus-exclusive Garmin-Asus A50 Android smartphone represents good value, offering a larger screen than the mid-range Garmin-Asus A10. This smartphone falls short in a number of areas, including the exclusion of a standard headphone jack, but an excellent navigation experience gives it a unique edge.
- Review Date:
- Reviewer:
- Manufacturer:
- 16th Aug., 2010
- Ross Catanzariti
- Garmin-Asus
- Rating:
- Price:
- $ 199.00
- Pros:
- Excellent navigation capabilities, sales package includes window mount and AC charger, 4GB internal memory, multitouch, good value smartphone
- Cons:
- No 3.5mm headphone jack, touchscreen isn't as responsive as other smartphones, not the fastest performance, phone interface lacks polish